News
Missing firearms: IGP writes Senate, demands closed-door investigative sessions
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has formally communicated with the Senate regarding the reported disappearance of 3,907 AK47 rifles, as highlighted in the 2019 Audit report issued by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF).
In a letter presented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Egbetokun requested that a subsequent investigative hearing on this issue be conducted in a closed session due to its sensitive security implications.
Although the IGP attended the public hearing held by the Senate Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, he was excused to address other urgent national matters and criticized the AuGF report, asserting that it is “based on inaccuracies.”
The IGP said he was disappointed and shocked at the way the police were treated during the course of the hearing by the Senate panel, especially in the full glare of the public and the eyes of international community.
He however pleaded for time to enable the Police carry out a thorough investigation of its own on the matter, even as he called on the leadership of the Senate to keep such future engagements behind closed door and be a lot more discreet when dealing with issues of national security.
The letter reads: “We appreciate the Senate Committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms and urge the committee to conduct future hearings on sensitive security issues in camera so that the wrong impression will not be created in the minds of Nigerians and in the minds of the international community.
“This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security. Conducting hearings on these sensitive security issues in camera will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests. It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding.”
The Inspector General of Police said he is committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the National Assembly and working together to drive positive changes in the country and improving the lives of Nigerians and the security of the nation.
On his part, Senator Akpabio said that the IGP’s letter was very clear, just as he said that investigation will be done both internally by the police and further investigation will also be conducted by the Senate.
Senate Deputy Whip, Onyechachi Nwebonyi (APC – Ebonyi North) who on Tuesday presided over the Senate Public Accounts Committee as Vice Chairman in the absence of the Chairman, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, had asked the Police to return next Monday with a better explanation about the alleged missing firearms.
His attempt to comment on Egbetokun’s letter or to defend the action of the committee was not granted by the President of the Senate.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Enugu Governor Peter Mbah has expressed deep grief over the passing away of former Super Eagles skipper and coach, Christian Chukwu, describing him as a football icon, titan, and phenomenon.
Reacting to the development on Saturday Mbah said: “I received with a deep sense of loss the passing away of Chairman Christian Chukwu. It is a personal loss to us as Ndi Enugu, his home state, and indeed to Nigeria as a nation and Africa as a continent.
“Christian Chukwu was a national icon, a football titan, field marshal, and phenomenon. His exploits as a footballer united the country across ethnic divides and creed.
He was patriotism personified, serving the nation and Africa unreservedly both as a player and coach of the highly successful Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and Super Eagles of Nigeria, which he captained to victory as Green Eagles at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. He also coached the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s senior male national team, among others.
“Chairman, as he was fondly called, gave his all not only to the nation but to the rest of Africa. He wrote his name in gold in the annals of the history of Nigerian and African football.
Our dear legend has gone the way of all mortals, but the fond memories and the pride he gave Ndi Igbo and Nigeria as a whole will be cherished forever.
“My heart goes out to his family, Ndi Enugu, the Nigerian sports community and the entire nation over this irreplaceable loss. May the good Lord grant his soul eternal repose.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
No fewer than seven people lost their lives on Saturday following the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
The deadly incident occurred along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, a notorious route that cuts through the Sambisa Forest—an area long plagued by insurgent activities.
The victims were part of a convoy of vehicles being escorted by the military from Damboa to Maiduguri.
According to eyewitness accounts and local sources, the explosion struck as the convoy—organized to provide safe passage through the volatile region—was underway. Several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Maiduguri for urgent treatment.
The Maiduguri-Damboa Road serves as a vital link between the state capital and several local government areas in southern Borno, including Chibok and Gwoza.
For years, the route remained closed to civilian traffic due to persistent terrorist threats. However, under the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum, the road was reopened, with military escorts deployed to accompany travelers twice weekly after clearing the area for explosives.
Saturday’s attack raises fresh concerns about the safety of the corridor, despite consistent military presence. The blast also comes just days after Governor Zulum publicly raised alarm over renewed Boko Haram activity in the state, highlighting the persistent threat the group poses to peace and development in the region.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident, while investigations and security operations in the area continue.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.
It was gathered that the vehicle was parked around 1:05pm opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the official attended prayers at a nearby mosque.
Security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing that the ONSA official returned from the mosque only to find the vehicle missing.
According to him, a sources said the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., leading to a swift response by law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command promptly activated a stop-and-search operation at various checkpoints and across all entry and exit points in the capital city.
Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits and recover the vehicle.
The Command said it had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen Hilux.
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